In this History Speaker Event, Dr. Rob Clemm discusses A Violent Peace: A Global History of the Interwar Period, which he co-edited and contributed. Rob and Rob discuss the book development process, a bit about military historiography, his upcoming book on the history of cartography in Africa, and reminisce about the glory days of grad school.

Wireside Chat is excited to feature alum Amber-Nicole Stephens! Writing under the pen name of Savannah Stephens, Amber-Nicole sold her thesis novel, a dark paranormal fantasy titled Witch Queen Rising, in a two-book deal with Gollancz in the UK and Ace here in the US. Join us as Amber-Nicole reads from her novel, recounts her journey to publication, and shares what lies ahead!

Word for Word is proud to welcome award-winning author Courtney Milan. Ms. Milan began her career with a starred review in Publisher's Weekly and has never looked back. A self-publishing pioneer, she has gone on to become one of the top-selling and best-reviewed Romance authors writing today. Her bestselling historical romances are known for their wit, characterization, and plot. Ms. Milan's background in law—she clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor—has made her a leading authority on copyright, contracts, and intellectual property. She has been a steadfast champion of author rights, as well as a staunch advocate for women and diversity in publishing.

For this year's Publishing Panel, Word for Word is proud to welcome two industry experts! Jane Friedman needs no introduction to aspiring writers. Her book "The Business of Becoming a Writer" is used as a class text in the Online MFA and in many other degree programs. Her long-running newsletter "The Bottom Line" provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals. In 2023, she was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World. Laura Stanfill is an author, editor and the publisher of Forest Avenue Press. Her book "A Writer’s Guide to Unlocking Your Story, Choosing a Publishing Path and Honoring Your Creative Journey" appeared in 2025.

Wireside Chat is thrilled to welcome back Online MFA instructor and bestselling author Melissa Marr! Melissa's most recent novel, Greta Gets the Girl, was published in January from Bramble, the romance imprint of TOR. Her novel A Treason of Magic, publishing in June, is a Regency-era fantasy and the first in a duology. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about crossing genres, writing comic books, and what MFA students need to know about today's volatile publishing landscape.

In this History Speaker Series event, Dr. Elisabeth Davis discusses her book, Catholic Sisters, Narratives of Authority, and the Native American Boarding Schools, 1847-1918, and her upcoming book on Laura Ingalls Wilder, the community around Wilder and her family, and what that story says about the development of the American West.

Word for Word is proud to welcome New York Times bestselling author Malinda Lo. Malinda's novel Last Night at the Telegraph Club won the National Book Award, the Stonewall Book Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a Printz Honor, and was an LA Times Book Prize finalist. Join us as she reads from Telegraph Club and answers questions about her writing journey!